Downside to "revealing" system?


Greetings, hope all are well. Since upgrading my rig over the years( ML 11a, REL s812s, VPI Prime Sig. Soundsmith The Voice cart, Pass xp25 phono, and Luxman L509X with Cardas cables and various powercords, plus S/R room treatments which have been unbelievable) many beloved older pressings have revealed themselves to be just about unlistenable. I'm speaking of, for example, 70s Reprise Neil Young, Randy Newman, Joni etc. Pressings are immaculate and cleaned on an Audio Desk cleaner and table is definitely set up properly. Newer " audiophile" pressings sound great. End result is I am listening to more cds since acquiring an Esoteric X01 D-2 which make even old cds sound great. I've always been a vinyl person and have over 4,000 records acquired over 30 years. I am thinking of getting a new cart next year and have heard great things about the Dyna XV-1s. ( input appreciated) Anyway, forgive the long post, I am actually grateful for a diversion from current events, stay well friends!
joeyfed55
E, FWIW on the cheap but effective side that little Schitt Loki can work well for simple tone control of bass, lower mid range, upper mid range and treble. It ain't sophisticated but it works.


Yes indeed. It is still a tone control so I don't know why you are up in my grill about it. :D
People, it's not a matter of tone controls. It is a playback issue! MOST records and ALL cds are fabulous, and I am more than happy with the sound. AND, I do NOT have two phono stages. Thanks.
Try the Puffin, wide range of adjustments perfect for tweaking the sound of poorly sounding records. It's the only reason I have one as my second phono preamp.
Exactly what sonic attribute makes some of your recordings unlistenable?  But even without knowing your reply, you might want to rethink the Luxman driving the electrostatic.